How the Pandemic Transformed Home Buying—A Look Back at the Past 5 Years

Housing prices might still be high, but some pandemic fads are finally fading. But some other pandemic-motivated changes didnt have the same staying power. (So long,cloffice.) Credit:David A Land | Prop Stylist: Raina Kattelson Heres what the Zillow report found about what home means to Americans, half a decade later. How Has the Housing Market Changed? In the last five years, U.S. housing prices have skyrocketed, and that growth remains steady....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 168 words · Laura Woods

How to Attract More Ladybugs for Natural Pest Control

Why purchase ladybugs when it’s possible for you to attract them to your garden naturally? Many gardeners buy ladybugs and release them into their vegetable gardens and flowerbeds for pest control purposes. However, its more effective to attract wild ladybugs by adding ladybug-friendly elements to your garden. Credit:Kindra Clineff Why Attract Ladybugs? Store-bought ladybugs are often gathered from the wild, which can destroy habitats and upset local ecosystems. Use these 7 tips to attract more ladybugs and other beneficial insects to your space....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 154 words · Michael Guerrero

How to Avoid Minute Pirate Bugs: They're Tiny but Pack a Big Bite

These beneficial insects make their presence known in the fall when they start giving people painful nips. Minute pirate bugs are usually felt before they’re seen. Don’t worry, though. Credit: Courtesy of Robert Webster There is a small consolation if one of these insects nips you. “The bugs are not quick to fly following biting,” saysDr. What Are Minute Pirate Bugs? Minute pirate bugs, a jot down of insect known as flower bugs (Oriusspp....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 172 words · Amber Warner DVM

How to Bake a Moist Cake Every Time

But have you wondered how to make a moist cake that’s supremely delicious every time? First, you should probably measure, mix, and bake it just right. Fortunately, that’s easier than it sounds. Credit: Jason Donnelly Precision, for one. Baking requires using exactly the ingredients called for. Theseingredients are not interchangeable. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul The same goes for oil, butter, or shortening; use exactly what’s called for. Same goes for sugar substitutes....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 157 words · James Villa

How to Bottle Your Flowers in Baby Oil

And there’s a reason behind thatflowers and vases are a classic combination. The final product gets you a gorgeous display of colorful flowers suspended within the clear glass. Looking for a fun way to display your flowers? Credit:Beatriz Da Costa I got you, TikTok creator@gardengalugcsaid in avideowhile taking viewers through exactly how to create the vessel. Simply stuff [the flowers] all in layer by layer, she explained. Make these bottles for wedding or housewarming gifts....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 126 words · Christina Vazquez

How to Brine a Turkey and Other Tips for a Perfect Bird

Sometimes it’s a good thing to get a little salty. Case in point: mastering how to brine a turkey. (Here’s a complete guide forhow long it takes to thaw a turkeyof all sizes.) This same method works to brineturkey breasts. Prep the fridge Before you go further into brining, clear out space in your fridge. How to brine a 12-pound turkey or smaller: You’ll need a 10-quart pot with tall sides....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 208 words · Mr. Vincent Cohen

How to Build a Terra-Cotta Fountain

Imagine yourself relaxing to the soothing sound of bubbling water on a hot summer day. You won’t have to use your imagination if you build your own terra-cotta fountain. Terra-cotta strawberry planters are good for more than justplanting pockets of herbs. Create a rustic garden fountain with just a few plumbing parts, a pump, and some terra-cotta. It may be easier to drill through the terra-cotta if you soak the saucer overnight....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 152 words · Cathy Chaney

How to Carve a Sugar Skull Pumpkin Pattern

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with our free printable skull pumpkin carving stencil with step-by-step instructions. Why not try it on a dappled green or vivid red pumpkin? Get started on your owncarved pumpkinwith a list of supplies and our how-to instructions. If using a faux pumpkin, skip to step 2. Jab along all stencil lines with a pin tool, outlining the design with closely spaced pinholes. Carefully detach the pattern, and keep the page handy for reference....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 120 words · David Wong

How to Celebrate National Daughters Day This Year

National Daughters Day highlights ways to combat gender inequality across the world. Over the years, the holiday has become recognized not only in India but all over the world. There’s an International Daughters Day and individual national holidays in many countries. Credit: MoMo Productions/Getty Images When Is National Daughter’s Day? Use this time to reflect on your relationship and let her know what she means to you. You could also show herold picturesof your childhood and venture to inspireher....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 108 words · Rita Dunn

How to Celebrate Three Kings Day—and Keep the Christmas Fun Going

Learn about the history of the holiday and how Three Kings Day is celebrated around the world. For this reason, Three Kings Day is traditionally celebrated 12 days after Christmas Day. This is also why someconsider it unlucky to take your tree downbefore January 6. Credit: Natalia Ruedisueli / Getty Images When Is Three Kings Day? If you would like to celebrate this year, here are a few traditions to consider....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 101 words · Susan Strickland

How to Change a Door Lock

Changing your locks is easy and only requires a few common hand tools. Before you call a handyman or locksmith, give this DIY a try. If you have a custom door, a standard deadbolt lock might not fit. Some locks can be adjusted to fit either backset. Many high-quality pin and tumbler locks can be rekeyed using a rekeying kit. If it doesn’t budget, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it away....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 152 words · Valerie Mayo

How to Chill Cookie Dough in the Freezer to Speed Up the Process

Make the most of your afternoon spent baking with this time-saving tip for chilling your cookie dough. The process solidifies the fat in the dough so the cookies wont spread too far during baking. Also, it helps ensure the cookies are soft and tender. Credit: Scott Little You dont want your cookie dough to turn into a large, buttery blob in the oven. It’s best to chill your dough in the refrigerator for the recommended time....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 109 words · Angela Lowe

How to Choose a Juicy Lime Every Time, According to Chefs and Mixologists

Steer clear of dry or past-their-prime citrus with these pro tips. Plus, discover how to coax more juice out of an under-ripe lime. Fresh Persian limes are prized for their extremely juicy flesh. Credit:Getty Images / Mint Images Thats because limes dont ripen any further once they are picked. Keep them refrigerated until youre ready to squeeze or feature them in drinks or dishes. To coax out more juice of a lime that might not be fully ripe, Brekke recommends:

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 80 words · Michael Chavez